County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

Jap Transport Sunk. I us The steamship Baralong reached Kobe on Thursday last, with the news of an appalling disaster, in which 126 lives were lost. When off Simeshima Island, near Shimo- noseki, last Tuesday, the Baralong collided with the Japanese transport Kinjo Maru, which was returning from Dalny with 156 invalided soldiers from Port Arthur and Manchuria. The trans- port sank in three minutes, and only twenty- four men were saved.

Abergavenny Horse Show and Agricultural Association. MT Annual MM OF HORSES & AGRICULTURAL STOCK. Special Jumping & Trotting Prizes, 940. SPECIAL TIMBERING PRIZES, £24 WILL BE HELD IN Bailey Park. Abergavenny, ON Thursday, 7th September, 1905. SPECIAL ATTRACTION :-The Celebrated Ferndale Prize Band has been en- gaged for the day. Entries Close August 22nd (Double Fees September 1st.) SECS :-Messrs JAMES STRAKER & SON, Auctioneers, Valuers, and Estate Agents, Abergavenny. County Courts in Circuit 24. COURTS will be held at the several Court-town on this Circuit, before His Honour JUDGE OWEN, the Judge thereof, on the days and at the me hereunder mentioned: — Time, a.m. Aug Oct Nov. Chepatow 10 31 2 Barry 10 1 3 31 Cardiff 10 2 4 1 09 10 3 5 2 10 4 6 3 10 5 7 4 Abergavenny 10 14 9 Blaenavon 10 6 Tredegar 9.30 8 10 7 Pontypool 10 9 11 8 Newport 10.30 10 12 9 „ 10.30 11 13 10 Monmouth. 10 15 21 11 Ross 9.30 12 14 Crickhowell 11 16 20 Usk 11 17 19 — 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers. G COMPANY, USK. Orders for the Week ending Sept. 2nd, 1905. Monday, August 28th.—Meeting of Band Com- mittee at Armoury, 7 p.m. sharp. General Meeting of Band and those interested in the Band, 7.30 p.m. Tuesday, August 29th.—Company Drill; Dress Plain clothes, waist belt, and frog, 7.30 p.m. Wednesday, August 30th. -Class Firing and Team Practice, at 2.30 p.m. Members who have not yet completed number of drills, or class firing, are requested to do so as soon as possible. By order, H. J. WILLCOX, Captain, Commanding G Company.

An Historic Residence. Thursday's issue of the Daily Telegraph gives the following :— Troy House, Monmouthshire, a place of many historic memories, and for generations a seat of the Dukes of Beaufort, is under- going strange vicissitudes, In its stately halls, built after Inigo Jones's designs, the necessary but somewhat incongruous craft of laundering is being practised by its present tenants, and in its spacious and lovely grounds the linen of many county families is exposed to the breeze. The Herberts, Earls of Pembroke, and Somersets, Dukes of Beaufort, had united in making it a palace. Harry of Monmouth, bluff King Hal, was a not infrequent visitor to the ancient residence, and his reputed bed- stead is still preserved in one of the rooms. When on the accession of the present Duke of Beaufort, the Monmouthshire estates of the family were sold, Troy House was purchased by a South Wales coal magnate. The new owner, having another property near the town of Monmouth, has let it on lease, with the option of pur- chase, to an expelled Sisterhood from Lyons known as the Order of Our Lady of Charity and Refuge. The good sisters and the penitents whom they shelter are industrious, and toil not only at the wash-tub in this former ducal retreat, but themselves main- tain the grounds and orchards, through which two rivers flow—the Trothey and the Monnow-in exemplary order. The great dining hall has been converted into a chapel, and consecrated by Dr. Hedley, O.S.B., Bishop of Newport."

THE PEACE CONFERENCE. The representatives of Japan acted wisely in requesting that the proceedings at the peace conference might be kept secret until a decision had been arrived at. The splendid way in which President Roosevelt had acted was sufficient to justify the selec- tion of the United States as a venue, but the Japanese would probably have thought twice before accepting that part of the in- vitation if they had known that the Press of that country would allow nothing to be secret, or, if it was unable to ascertain the facts, would still supply from imagina- tion, the demand for news. It is stated that the Russian representatives were averse from secrecy. That may or may not have been the case, but if they desired to place the progress of the negotiations be- fore the world they certainly laid themselves open to the suggestion that they desired external influences to be brought to bear upon the conference.

APPOINTMENTS, &c., FOR WEEK Ending September 2nd, 1905. August. Sat. 26-Pontypool Petty Sessions. Raglan Petty Sessions. Sun. 27-Tenth Sunday after Trinity. Mon 28—Monmouth Market. Tues. 29-Abergavenny Market. Wed. 30-Newport Cattle, Corn, and Cheese Markets. Abergavenny Petty Sessions. Visit of Earl Roberts to Abergavenny. (See Advt.) Thurs. 31-Cwmbran Petty Sessions. Cricket—Usk v. Blaenavon Thursday C.C., at Usk. Sept. Fri. 1—Partridge Shooting begins. Sat 2—Pontypool Petty Sessions. Cricket-Usk v. Ponthir, at Usk. Mr. Clay's Subscription Otter Hounds WILL MEET NEXT WEEK (WATER PERMITTING) Tuesday, August29th..Newbridge on Usk, 10 a.m Thursday, August 31st. Usk Bridge, 10 a.m Cyclists, Light Up! Saturday, Aug. 26th. 7.59 Sunday, „ 27th. 7.57 Monday, 28th 7.54 Tuesday, „ 29th 7.52 Wednesday, „ 30th. 7.50 Thursday, 31st. 7.48 Fri. Sept. 1st. 7.46 Saturday, 2nd. 7.45 Being One hour after Sunset.

Births, Marriages, & Deaths. Announcements under this heading are inserted at a uniform charge of 1/- each, unless such vords as "No Cards," "No Flowerstfc., are added, when the charge will be 2/6. All Announcements must be authenticated. Postage Stamps may be sent in payment, Lists of Wedding Presents are inserted at the rate of 1/6 er inch in depth.

Lord Curzon. Lord Curzon's resignation of the Vice- royalty of India was the outcome of the Indian Army reform scheme, the subject at issue being the appointment of the first Military Supply Member. From the white paper, just published, we learn that when Lord Curzon telegraphed to the Secretary of State for India, recommending Major General Sir E. Barrow for the position, Mr Brodrick replied that he had seen General Barrow, and that-" While fully recog- nising his great capacity, I am advised that this would find more appropriate scope either in Frontier Command which he now holds, or as Chief of the Staff, should you and Lord Kitchener think him fitted for that post." Mr Brodrick further said that this was the view of the Cabinet. On the following day Lord Curzon telegraphed- I trust you will see fit to MODIFY THE VIEWS I expressed in your telegram, and will thus enable me to accept the responsibility which I infer that His Majesty's Govern- ment still desire me to assume." Two days later, Mr Brodrick replied that he had again consulted the Cabinet, and that they, while not anxious to press upon Lord Curzon a man whom he did not approve, must avoid any appointment that would tend to reproduce previous difficulties. Lord Curzon replied explaining that he had No desire to continue a controversy, strain of which has now lasted without interrup- tion for eight weeks." He complained that the Governmept denied him the confidence which alone could enable him to serve them with any advantage," and in conclu- sion asked Mr Balfour to place his resigna- tion in the hands of the King, confirming his decision in a later telegram. Mr Balfour then assented, and telegraphed to Lord Curzon—" If, after all that has passed, you still re-iterate your request to be relieved of your office, I know not how to combat further what I take to be A FIXED RESOLVE, I and have, therefore, with the profoundest regret, communicated your wishes to the King." Mr Brodrick also expressed very deep regret," and added to his communica- tion-" Throughout your administration, since your appointment as Governor- General in 1898, my colleagues and I have endeavoured to give you constant support in the many measures of administrative reform which you have initiated." A perusal of these telegrams leads to the conclusion that the high-minded states- manship that induced Lord Curzon to accept the Viceroyalty of India, prompted him also to lay it down. He applied himself with exemplary devotion and singleness of purpose' to the duties of his exalted position, but when he felt he 'could no longer exercise a useful influence in his administration of Indian affairs he tendered his resignation. While deeply regretting the decision we honour the motive that prompted it. At a Primrose League meeting at Godalming, on Wednes- day, Mr Brodrick feelingly alluded to Lord Curzon's retirement in the following words: 1, perhaps more than any of my col- leagues, regret the circumstances which have terminated Lord Curzon's career in India. I have been CLOSELY ASSOCIATED I with Lord Curzon, and enjoyed his intimate friendship since the year 1875, and have shared with him. many of the ups and downs of Parliamentary life. No one ad- mires more than I do that heroic assiduity with which he set himself from a very early age to study the problems of Asia, and especially those which affect our greatest dependency. No one rejoiced more than I did when his appointment to the Governor- Generalship in 1898 gave him the oppor- tunity of giving a practical effect to these studies in this great charge which he undertook. When appointed to the India. Office, two years ago, I had no more earnest wish than to further the work on which he had been engaged with such self-denying- persistence for five years. Anyone who is aware of the circumstances must know that in such a connection to put down differences which have arisen to PERSONAL ANTAGONISM would be an absurdity. The position of the Secretary of State for India is a, peculiar one, and no other office in the least resembles it. Having been called in to act in a controversy in which a great administrator and a great soldier were engaged, I have been bound to do my duty to the best of my ability, but, in doing so, have had the unanimous support, not merely of the Cabinet, and of the Council of India, but of a strong Committee specially called together for the purpose. However convinced I may be that the solution at which we arrived was a just and a necessary one, I shall, I trust, be excused for taking this opportunity of paying my tribute to Lord Curzon's great services in the past, and of expressing my earnest desire for his speedy restoration to health, and my profound sorrow at the difference of opinion which has arisen between us." I HIS MAJESTY, KING EDWARD, has also expressed his deep regret at losing so valuable a representative in India as Lord Curzon in the following telegram from Marienbad :—" With deep regret I have no other alternative but to accept your resig- nation. at your urgent request. Most warmly do I thank you for your invaluable services to your Sovereign and to your country, especially to the Indian Empire. Most sincerely do I hope that your health may improve." In his grateful reply the Viceroy acknowledged" The happiest feature of my service in India has been the generous consideration which 1 never failed to receive from your Majesty."

I USK. I Agent—Mrs. E. K. Jones, Stationer WE understand that Sir C. Alfred Moloney. K.C.M.G., has taken a lease of Cefn Tilla Court, and is now in residence there. WE regret that Mr John George's name was in- advertently omitted from the Flower Show Com- mittee list last week. ANGLING.—The Association Water Bailiffs have been netting during the week, but with poor results; one fish weighed 301bs. The river remains very low. On Wednesday, in the Bindings, Major Trevor killed one, 121bs.; and Mr Rowlands is re- ported to have taken two (one 351bs), one day in the week. There are no botchers about. No CASES.—The charge sheet was blank for Thursday's Petty Sessions, but, later in the day, Thomas Price, Gwehelog, was brought before Mr S. A. Hiley, at the Police Station, on a warrant, charged with non-compliance with a maintenance order in respect of his wife. He deposited 10s., and was liberated on bail for a fortnight on prom- ising to try and pay off some more of the arrears in the meantime. MOTHERS' UNION OUTING.-On Wednesday the members of the Llanbadoc and Llanllowell Branch of the Mothers' Union had a very enjoyable excur- sion to Raglan. Driving over from Llanbadoc in the early afternoon, they arrived at the Parish Church, where a short service was held and an address given by the Rev R. Shelley Plant, Vicair of Raglan, who afterwards conducted the party round the Church and explained the objects of special interest. At five o'clock, all assembled at, the Refreshment Rooms for tea, on the invitation of the Rector and Mrs Harry Cockson, and a. pleasant drive home in the evening followed. I.L.P. On Saturday evening, on the Twyn. Square, an open-air meeting to disseminate the principles of the Independent Labour Party and to forward the candidature of Mr James Winstone in the Monmouth District Boroughs, was held. The speakers were Messrs Price, J. Twomey, C. Thomas, and Davidson, and their subject-matter was the iniquities of present and prospective M.P.s, Con- servative and Liberal, in supporting capitalism: at the price of labour. At the conclusion, Mr R. A. Rogers protested against some of the remarks- made, especially the very discourteous way in. which Mr E. E. Micholls and Mr L. Haslam bad been alluded to. He called for cheers for Mr Micholls, and a section of the crowd responded. Mr Winstone, who had not intended to speak, as he was not well, replied to the criticism. Some of the speakers, he said, had been taken too seriously.

IMPORTANT RIFLE CLUB MEETING AT CAERLEON. The Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs have arranged a series of rifle meetings, one of which is to be held at Caerleon, on Saturday, September 23rd, in the hope that by this means they will be furthering Lord Roberts' scheme of forming rifle: clubs in every village in the kingdom. The com- petitions at Caerleon, as elsewhere, are open to all- comers, and valuable prizes are offered. Lord Roberts will probably be present. We trust that the meeting will be a great suc- cess, and that Usk will be well represented there, as it should be. Mr J. T. Davies, J. p., of Castle House, as hon. sec. of the Usk R.C. and a keen lover of the sport, is doing his best for the cause, as also are other members of the Club, which is happy in the possession of a capital miniature range in Porthycarne-street. Eight competitions are schaduled, in one or other or all of which Usk men and lads' names should figure.

PONTYPOOL RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. A meeting of this Council was held at the Sessions House, Usk, on Monday afternoon, when there were presentMr S. T. Griffin, J.P.. (chairman). Mr W. H. Charles (vice-chairman),. Rev W. W. Jones, Messrs. James Bevan. T. Whitney, T. W. Brooke, J. L. Edmunda. John Parker, T. Watkins (clerk), and R. Derrett (surveyor and inspector.) FINANCE, The Clerk reported a favourable balance at the Bank of X280 lis 7d. REPORTS. £ -^n8P0ctor, Mr Robert Derrett reported that at the last meeting he dealt with a number of cases of measles at Llanfrechfa Lower now he bad to report a general epidemic of measles in the neighbourhood. He had visited the houses in which the cases were, and distributed disinfectants, but upon a second visit he found that five out of every seven of the children had been to a tea party- which was held at the Chapel at Ponthir. His